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Coliseum's third level will open for ALDS

Coliseum's third level will open for ALDS

By Jane Lee and Jeff Kirshman
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MLB.com |

OAKLAND -- If, and most likely when, the A's get into the postseason, they'll be welcoming in more fans to the Coliseum.

After selling out the first two levels for potential games in the American League Division Series in two hours on Tuesday morning, the A's made the decision to remove the upper-level tarps to bring in an additional 12,000-plus fans.

With the upper deck open, minus the peak of Mount Davis, capacity will be 48,146. Normal capacity is 35,067, which is what it was for the ALDS last year when the Tigers came to town. Even then, it was deafening.

"That's exciting," said Brandon Moss. "I'm looking forward to that. When we were in Detroit, Prince [Fielder] was talking about how loud it was for the playoffs here last year. People don't realize how loud this place can get when fans get into it. That's why I feel like, sometimes, when we get it going here, when it's a big situation, we do so well in part because the fans are behind us and they get loud. It's pretty impressive."

Manager Bob Melvin, who has always lauded Oakland's dedicated fans and the impact they have on his club's play, was asked if he could imagine playoff crowds multiplied in size.

"I can imagine," he said, smiling, "but we still have to get there first."

"I can't wait," Moss said. "But it's our job to make sure they have an opportunity to come for that."

Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com. Jeff Kirshman is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.